Social Security Ministry celebrates new Centenarian

The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity organised a celebration, on Sunday 24 May 2026 at the Municipal Hall in Vacoas-Phoenix, to honour centenarian Mr Luc Antoine Merle, who celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family members and friends.

On that occasion, a cheque of Rs 26,203, an electric shaver, a bouquet of flower, the Centenarian medal, and a Certificate were remitted to Mr Merle. Moreover, the National Solidarity Fund of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity offered a cheque of Rs 10,000 to the new Centenarian while the Senior Citizen Council presented him with gifts. The former Deputy Mayor of the Municipal Council of Vacoas-Phoenix, Mr Sadaseeven Sooben, was present at the event.

Mr Luc Antoine Merle was born at Grande Rosalie Sugar Estate in a family of six daughters and five sons, of which he is the only surviving member. His father worked as a chief mechanic on the sugar estate and his mother was a housewife. He attended school up to Standard VI.

The centenarian went to do his military service at age 21 in Libya. Upon his return to Mauritius, he was employed as mechanic on Grande Rosalie Sugar Estate. Later, he became chief mechanic, just like his father, until his retirement.

In 1957, Mr Merle married Ms Lourdes Maud Quirin, a housewife, who passed away in 2025. The centenarian has four children, three sons and one daughter. He also has three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He attributes his longevity to his disciplined and healthy lifestyle, faith in God as well as the care and love of his children.

It is noted that beside the basic retirement pension, the Ministry provides the following monthly benefits to Mr Merle: Social Retirement Benefit; the Ex-serviceman Allowance; and a contributory retirement pension.

26 May 2026

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Topics: Social Security